TarotCraft Lesson 204.10: The 10 of Swords

The 10 of Swords Tarot card from the Universal Waite Tarot deck.

​When the 10 of Swords appears, it's telling you that something is absolutely over and done with or that there is no benefit to be had from proceeding with a particular plan or approach. If it were to predict an actual physical death, I'd be looking for Death, along with Judgement in the same spread. 

Image Description

 A figure lies face down, with their head turned away from the viewer. One arm is extended toward the viewer, palm up. Ten swords in a line pierce the figure's spine from the coccyx to the top of the neck, with the final sword piercing the skull. They wear a white shirt under a yellow vest. A red robe or blanket covers their lower body, perhaps symbolising blood flowing from the wounds. There is also blood pooled around their head. Beyond the figure is the calm, blue water of a lake or bay and mountains. The sun's rays disappear over the top of the mountains, bringing darkness.
 
Yes/No upright: No
Yes/No reversed: No
 
Amplified by: The Page of Swords
Amplifier for: The Page of Swords
 
Zodiac/Element: Sun in Gemini
Dates: 11 June – 20 June
 
Traditional Name: Ruin
Traditional Meaning: Whatsoever is intimated by the design; also pain, affliction, tears, sadness, desolation. It is not especially a card of violent death. Reversed: Advantage, profit, success, favour, but none of these are permanent; also power and authority.  
 
TarotCraft Upright Meaning

We see the confronting figure of someone who has been murdered. They aren't just wounded. They are definitely dead as you can't get much more dead than 10 swords through the spine and head. 

When the 10 of Swords appears, it's telling you that something is absolutely over and done with or that there is no benefit to be had from proceeding with a particular plan or approach. If it were to predict an actual physical death, I'd be looking for Death, along with Judgement in the same spread. 

When this card appears in a reading, it's pointing to pain, illness, devastation and mental anguish. This card is really telling you to go no further. Don't pass Go. Don't collect $200. This is the most destructive card in the deck.
 
Its astrological correspondence is the Sun in Gemini (an Air sign) which is fitting as Swords represent Air; the full complement of Swords/Air are found in this card.

Gemini indicates changeability and rapid adaptation. 10 of Swords can quickly reverse good fortune, but if you take action in time, you can stop the misfortune indicated
 
If the Wheel of Fortune appears in the same spread, you've got some significant bad luck on your hands. 

Important: do not shy away from asking the querent if they are feeling suicidal or struggling with addiction if this card appears. If you often read for others, I advise you to keep a list of contact details for crisis helplines, rape crisis lines, services for the homeless, domestic violence support etc. 

Another thing to note is that the hand position of the figure in the card is in the position of the papal blessing shown in the Hierophant and the Devil. It's worth considering what this card might mean for the querant spiritually, so perhaps pull another card or two to tease that out. 
 
TarotCraft Reversed Meaning

The effect is somewhat lessened when reversed, but trouble is far from over. It's still not good news.
 
TarotCraft Gift, Invitation, and Challenge
 
Invitation
 
The Invitation of the 10 of Swords is to clean up your inner and outer life. Perhaps you’ve been indulging in harmful temptations or spending energy on things that aren’t for your higher good. 
Gift 
 
The Gift of the 10 of Swords is the opportunity to walk away and start over with a clean slate. 
 
Challenge 
 
The Challenge of the 10 of Swords is to struggle through a dark night of the soul. Reach out to others for support and encouragement. Don’t go it alone. Let people love you and care for you. 
 
 
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